As far as firsts, Donald Glover became the first Black man to win for comedy series directing for Atlanta. Further into the show, Lena Waithe awakened us all as she made history (alongside series co-creator Aziz Ansari) as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing for the Netflix series of Master of None (“Thanksgiving” episode). Waithe also served in a recurring capacity in the comedy, but this specific episode was based on her personal experience of coming out as a lesbian. Her acceptance speech was heartfelt and emotional. She spoke directly to the LBGTQ community when she stated:

“The things that make us different — those are our superpowers. Go out there and conquer the world. It would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it.”

This will not be the last we see of Waithe; there is plenty more on the horizon. Up next, she has a Showtime project in the works titled, “The Chi” – focusing on her upbringing in Chicago.

The magic continued when Glover won another award for lead actor in a comedy series for Atlanta. This is a testament that once Black people are given the space to create, we do some with boldness, fullness and from the heart. And who could forget this moment where Glover decided to throw shade at 45 (bloop):

“I want to thank Trump for making black people number one on the most-oppressed list. He’s probably the reason I’m up here.”

He later continued,

“It feels like a dream. I don’t want to make the best indie movie; I want to make the best movie. I don’t believe in labels like that. I’m glad I made history, but that’s not what I’m trying to do. I believe people deserve quality.”

Perhaps one of our absolute favorite moments of the night was Sterling K. Brown‘s acceptance speech for best actor in a television drama for This Is Us – the first Black actor to win in that category in 19 years. The music was queued loudly before he could finish delivering his speech, but you’re still shining bright, Sterling! He was able to finish his speech backstage:

Valerie Robinson is an award-winning writer and photographer. Based in the Washington, DC area, this HBCU alumni is a wife and mother of three who strives and encourages others to be the best versions of themselves.